Violent Kidnappngs in Central Nigeria Highlight Ongoing Threats to Christians
Yuda Garba, a village head in Nigeria, was found dead after being kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen along with seven other Christians. The attack took place in Bwari Area, prompting police action to locate other victims. The situation reflects broader violence against Christians in Nigeria, with increasing kidnappings and assaults linked to radical Islamist ideologies. Open Doors reports Nigeria as a highly dangerous country for Christians, highlighting a significant need for intervention and support.
A village head, Yuda Garba, was found dead after being kidnapped along with seven other Christians on March 11 in central Nigeria. Suspected Fulani herdsmen abducted Garba from Dnako village in Bwari Area Council, Abuja. His body was discovered in the Nomadic Forest near Kuyeri, close to the Kaduna border, prompting relatives to confirm his identity and authorities to enhance search efforts for the remaining victims.
The kidnapping took place shortly after midnight when armed herdsmen invaded the village, seizing residents as they slept. Among the kidnapped were Garba’s grandchildren, Ephraim and Philemon, and another Christian named Nicholas, reported by villagers. The spokesperson for the police confirmed that personnel have been deployed to track the bandits and anticipate the rescue of the victims.
Additionally, on March 5, Ishaya Kukah, brother of prominent Catholic bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, was kidnapped in Anchuna village, Kaduna state, alongside six others. The assailants, identified as “Fulani bandits,” attacked around 11 p.m. while people were sleeping. The local police have acknowledged the incident and are working to facilitate the safe return of the hostages.
The Fulani people, numbering millions in Nigeria, include many clans with diverse beliefs, but some adhere to radical Islamist ideologies. A 2020 report from the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief indicated that these radical elements target Christians to seize their lands and impose Islamic ideologies, especially during severe desertification.
According to Open Doors’ 2025 World Watch List, Nigeria stands out as one of the most perilous nations for Christians, where 69% of global Christian fatalities occurred. The report highlighted incredible levels of anti-Christian and jihadist violence, particularly in the North-Central region, where radical Islamist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP are active amidst a backdrop of governmental neglect.
Furthermore, violence against Christians has alarmingly spread to southern states, with new jihadist groups emerging, such as Lakurawa, which is allied with groups like Al-Qaeda’s JNIM. The continuous threat to Christian communities in Nigeria has led to the country being ranked seventh on the 2025 World Watch List for nations hostile to Christians.
The alarming trend of violent kidnappings and assaults against Christians in Nigeria highlights the persistent threat posed by radical elements within the Fulani community and extremist groups. With many abductions reported and the government’s efforts to combat this violence under scrutiny, it’s crucial to address the ongoing security challenges faced by vulnerable communities. The escalating violence signals an urgent need for improved safety measures and humanitarian support, particularly for Christian populations in regions experiencing significant unrest.
Original Source: www.christiandaily.com
